Education & Training

ABOUT LEADERSHIP 254

Leadership 254 is an introspective and transformational leadership program developed for Texas county officials by Texas county officials and the Texas Association of Counties (TAC).

Leadership 254 is designed to advance the skills of county officials to enable them to meet the unique challenges of their duties and enhance their leadership skills and style. Participants learn to overcome their limitations to redefine the possibilities they set for themselves, their courthouse, their county official association and their constituents. Leadership 254 challenges, stretches and most importantly, transforms participants into leaders who can positively affect their counties and Texas.

ELIGIBILITY & PARTICIPATION

Leadership 254 is an executive leadership program for elected and appointed Texas county government officials who want to strengthen their leadership skills and develop new approaches to leadership in county government. Applicants must currently serve in an elected or appointed position within Texas county government.

The program’s small class size is intentional to encourage open communication, meaningful discussion, and strong professional connections among participants. TAC aims to include two representatives from every county office in the class.

PROGRAM STRUCTURE & EXPECTATIONS

Leadership 254 is a 14-month program delivered through four modules between election cycles. Each module is unique and builds upon the previous one to encourage self-reflection, personal growth, and transformation.

Leadership 254 is a continuous cohort experience where participants are required to attend and complete all four modules in sequence. Participants should plan to arrive by the designated start time and remain through the conclusion of each module.

Module 1: Exploring New Dimensions of Self and your Relationship with Others
Feb. 16-19, 2027| Albert Hotel, Fredericksburg TX

Module 2: Ethics and Integrity: Being Accountable for All Decisions
May 25-28, 2027| Cavalry Court, College Station TX

Module 3: Leading Others: Your Team, Peers, Constituents
Oct. 19- 22, 2027 | Stagecoach Inn, Salado TX

Module 4: Transformational Leadership and You
April 25-28, 2028 | The Kendall, Boerne TX

ASSIGNMENTS

Applicants should be prepared to actively engage in discussion, self-assessment, collaborative learning, and hands-on exercises throughout the program. In addition to in-person sessions, participants will complete pre-module and post-module assignments individually, in teams, and with an accountability partner.

APPLICATION & SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION

Applications for the Leadership 254 Class of 2027–2028 will be accepted June 1 through July 6, 2026.

The Texas Association of Counties (TAC) provides scholarships for all selected participants. The scholarship covers program materials, assessments, lodging, and meals associated with Leadership 254. Participants are responsible for their own travel expenses.

Applicants must submit no later than July 6, 2026:

• a completed online application, and
• a current professional headshot

Headshots should be professional in appearance and taken against a simple or solid-color background. Submitted photos may be used on the TAC website and in Leadership 254 promotional and print materials.

NOTIFICATION OF APPLICATION STATUS

Applications are reviewed through a blind review process by the TAC Leadership Development Committee. Applicant names and counties are removed during the review process so committee members can evaluate entries fairly and consistently.

The committee is composed of county officials representing every county office and county official association from across Texas.

Applicants will be notified of their admissions status before Nov. 26, 2026.

CANCELLATION POLICY

Leadership 254 is intentionally designed for a limited cohort of participants. If a participant must withdraw after being selected, written notice must be submitted to Leadership 254 before Jan. 1, 2027.

If a participant withdraws before the start of the program, the TAC Leadership Development Committee will select an alternate participant, who will be notified before Module 1.

QUESTIONS or ACCOMODATION REQUEST

If you have questions about Leadership 254 or would like to request accommodations to support your participation in the program, please contact Leadership 254, Director of Education and Member Services at (800) 456‑5974.